An exploration of the holistic pathways of Ayurveda

In general, Ayurveda aims to relieve symptoms, eliminate impurities, increase resistance to disease, reduce stress, and promote harmony in life. For spinal cord injury in particular, the goals of Ayurvedic treatment are to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote the regeneration of damaged tissue.

Ayurvedic methods include internal cleansing, a special diet, herbal remedies, oil massages, yoga, and medications. However, there is still no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of Ayurveda for spinal cord injury.

Ayurveda and its journey to the Western world

Originating more than 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda, is a holistic system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The term “Ayurveda” is derived from the Sanskrit word “ayus”, meaning life, and “veda”, signifying “knowledge”, thus embodying the essence of the “knowledge of life”.

Even today, Ayurveda is widely practiced in India and Nepal, with 80% of the population reporting its usage. In the western world, Ayurveda is considered a pseudoscience, meaning that the practice is purported to be scientific and factual, but is actually incompatible with scientific methods. Convincing proof of efficacy according to the principles of evidence-based medicine is lacking.

Ayurvedic remedies on display in Delhi. (Source: Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 Universal)

Ayurvedic remedies primarily rely on plant-based treatments, with a wide array of herbs and substances like Triphala, Ashwagandha, and Tulasi being commonly used. Animal products, minerals, and alcoholic beverages known as Madya are also incorporated into the Ayurvedic practices. Opium and Cannabis indica have also been used historically for specific conditions.

A significant role in Ayurvedic treatment plays oil, employed through various methods like massages and Shirodhara, which is shown in the video below:

By the 1960s, Ayurveda gained traction as an alternative medicine in the Western world. With the surge of globalization, Ayurveda was widely adopted for use. Nevertheless, its practice raised ethical and legal concerns due to the lack of scientific evidence of its effectiveness.

In the early 1970's, Ayurveda was introduced to the United States. This led to the establishment of the Mount Madonna Institute, which offers various formation courses and even a Master of Arts in Ayurveda. Despite its popularity, the practice of Ayurveda remains unlicensed and unregulated by any state in the United States.

The first Ayurveda clinic in Switzerland was opened by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1987. It is located in the town of Seelisberg in central Switzerland. In 2015, the government of Switzerland introduced a federally recognized diploma in Ayurveda.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Amsterdam in 1967. (Source: Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 Universal)

What Ayurvedic treatments are available for spinal cord injury?

Ayurvedic treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) focuses on reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting the regeneration of damaged tissue. The Ayurveda & Siddha Hospital in Bangalore lists the following treatments as the most effective:

• Panchakarma therapy

This is a purification process aimed at ridding the body of toxins and comprises five stages: Virechana (purgative), Basti (enema), Nasya (administration of substances through the nose), Vamana (vomiting), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting). Watch the following video to learn about Ayurvedic cleansing and Panchakarma:

• Herbal remedies

Ayurveda uses a variety of herbs that are said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For SCI, herbs such as Ashwagandha, Guggul, Shatavari, and Bala are recommended.

• Yoga and meditation

Incorporating yoga into your routine can increase spinal flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the spine. Meditation can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can improve health.

• Diet and lifestyle changes

A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide the essential nutrients that are critical to the body's recovery. Lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, stress reduction and adequate sleep can also strengthen health.

A healthy, balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential to helping the body recover.

Is Ayurvedic medicine safe?

Some Ayurvedic preparations contain heavy metals. Lead, mercury, arsenic, iron and zinc are present in certain Ayurvedic products due to their possible healing effects on the body. However, studies show that elevated levels of these substances in the blood can cause heavy metal poisoning. Therefore, the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) warns that heavy metals in Ayurvedic products make them potentially harmful. To date, the FDA has not approved any Ayurvedic products.

Effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine

The lack of well-designed clinical trials and systemic research makes it harder to suggest the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic medicine. Few clinical trials using these approaches have been published in Western medical journals. This limited scientific evidence raises questions about the practice of Ayurvedic medicine.

To date, there are only two case studies from 2014 and 2015, each of which included only one participant with SCI. The studies reported “substantial clinical improvement … in existing neurological deficits and in quality of life” of the two patients after two and three months of Ayurvedic treatment. However, they do not provide relevant evidence to conclude that Ayurvedic therapy is effective. The two case studies are available on the National Library of Medicine website:

• “Rehabilitative potential of Ayurveda for neurological deficits caused by traumatic spinal cord injury”
• “Ayurvedic approach in the management of spinal cord injury: A case study”

Despite the lack of relevant evidence for people with SCI, there have been promising results regarding the effectiveness of Ayurveda for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and pain reduction. 

• In a 2013 clinical study involving 440 participants, Ayurvedic formulations of plant extract were given to people with knee osteoarthritis. The results suggested a reduction in pain and an improvement in function.
• Similarly, a preliminary and small NCCIH-funded (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) pilot study conducted in 2011 with 43 participants found that conventional and Ayurvedic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis were similarly effective.

Further information on these clinical trials is available on the NCCIH website.

Massage is an important treatment method in Ayurveda.

Tips for balancing Ayurvedic and conventional medicine

• Do not rely solely on Ayurvedic medicine and do not delay in consulting a conventional medical practitioner for treatment.
• Before using Ayurvedic products, consult your conventional healthcare provider regarding any health conditions you may have.
• Tell all your healthcare providers about any complementary or integrative health practices you use.

Have you experienced any Ayurvedic treatments? Do you believe that holistic medical approaches such as Ayurveda offer benefits?